AUDIO: Why Rassie is keeping his powder dry for Paris power play
There are some stunning storylines in the team for South Africa’s year-end opener against Japan at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.
Former Baby Bok skipper Zachary Porthen headlines the narratives, at 21, one of the youngest tighthead props on debut.
Then there is André Esterhuizen, the ultimate hybrid player.
Maybe Cheslin Kolbe at fullback intrigues you, or Franco Mostert at flank.
What about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continuing at flyhalf ahead of Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok?
However, the real story is, perhaps, those who were not selected.
A hint, perhaps, that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is keeping his powder keg dry ahead of next week’s big face-off with France in Paris.
The list of players, potential changes, that could feature next week must be alarming reading for any opposition.
There is Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Canan Moodie, Thomas du Toit, Marco van Staden, and Handre Pollard.
Add in Damian Willemse (rested because of a hamstring strain) and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, if his appeal succeeds.
Erasmus admitted that next week’s team will look significantly different from that which will run out at the London stadium with the 134-metre-high arch.
(LISTEN as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explains why he is keeping his powder keg dry ahead of next week’s massive face-off with France, a replay of their 2023 World Cup quarterfinal…..)
“Every week we will select a team we feel can win that game,” Erasmus said, after naming the side to tackle Japan at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.
While ‘rotation’ has played an important role in Erasmus’ team selections this year, the most important aspect for him is to continue winning.
Their only losses were the 22-38 horror show against Australia art Ellis Park and the 17-24 Eden Park heartbreaker against New Zealand.
They recovered from those setbacks to retain the Rugby Championship.
“Continuity is something that builds confidence,” Erasmus said, adding: “I will not guarantee that every player on tour will get game time on this end-of-year trip.
“Playing the teams that we are facing [Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales] it is important that we maintain our [winning] momentum.
“We will definitely select a team that we feel can win that specific encounter.”
The Bok coach admitted the team for next week’s power play in Paris will show significant changes to the Wembley ‘warfare’.
“Eben is not playing this week, [Bath-based] Thomas du Toit will come in next week, Jan-Hendrik [Wessels, if his appeal succeeds], Pieter-Steph [du Toit] will come into the mix.
“Canan [Moodie] could feature somewhere and Marco [van Staden] is one of the players that are rock solid in big Tests.
“The team will change, with an eye on winning the match that week.”
